NEWS RELEASE
CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION OF GUELPH
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The Children’s Foundation of Guelph and Wellington’s annual Trees for Tots was born out of a need five years ago when Christmas tree curbside pick-up was discontinued.
The event is a donation-for-service model which provides residents with the much-needed service of Christmas tree pick-up and helps generate vital funds for the Children’s Foundation.
It is truly a win-win model, bringing together many community partners to achieve the massive undertaking of picking-up close to 3,000 trees from City residents over the span of just a couple of hours.
This undertaking is made possible by the partnership of many loyal supporters and volunteers. This year, the Children’s Foundation is thrilled to partner with the City of Guelph’s GIS – Information Technology Department who will be managing the intricate mapping system.
All funds raised go directly into supporting the Children's Foundation programs which help build brighter futures for local children and their families struggling to make ends meet.
The Adopt-A-Family Program matches donors with families in need to help make Christmas shine a little brighter. This year, over 1,000 families have been referred to the program by social service agencies in Guelph and Wellington.
The Food & Friends student nutrition programs bring healthy food to hungry minds, helping students increase their potential for learning by providing healthy food in a safe and convenient environment.
The Free to Play Program provides financial assistance so children can take part in recreational sports and arts activities to help build vital social skills and self-esteem. The Scholarship Program allows youth who have overcome adversity the opportunity to continue their education at the post-secondary level.
Trees for Tots also has a great environmental impact in this green-minded city. All of the trees collected are chipped and returned to nature through local naturalization projects at Ignatius Jesuit Centre.
Discarded Christmas trees are converted to natural mulch and spread over kilometres of beautiful hiking trails. Whole trees will also be used in a fish re-habitation endeavour within the property’s rivers.
This incredible community event is also made possible by the returning support of Battlefield Equipment, Davey, Dozr, Hersey Bins, Jamie’s Lawncare, Sloot Construction, Premier Equipment Ltd., Sound Gardens Tree Care and Universal Rental Services. A hot lunch for our 150 volunteers is generously provided by Zoup!
Trees for Tots 2017 Christmas tree pick-up is Saturday, January 7. City of Guelph residents can register their trees for a minimum $10 donation by visiting treesfortots.ca or by calling 519-826-9551 ext 25.
Volunteers interested in helping can contact Brenda at 519-826-9551 ext 21. Businesses who would like to help increase the impact of the Foundation’s work, and help more dollars directly reach children living in poverty are asked to contact Kasia at [email protected].
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